Skin Cancer

There are several reasons as to why cancers form on our skins. The biggest reason is undoubtably caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) either from sunlight or sunbeds particularly affecting fair skinned individuals. Other causes include prolonged exposure to toxins (benzenes, arsenic), the use of immunosuppressants during organ transplant operations or from anti-retroviral drugs, viruses and also genetic dispositions. 

There are essentially two main types of skin cancer namely melanoma and non-melanoma. The most prevalent form is non-melanoma and it accounts for approximately 90% of all skin cancers.

• Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and least dangerous. It It typically grows very slowly, remains localised and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma is also fairly common. It is generally found on the lips, face or ears. This form can spread to other areas such as the lymph nodes and the internal organs.
• Malignant Melanoma is the least frequently found but the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It can be successfully cured if it is detected and diagnosed early enough. However, if not found timeously, this cancer can migrate throughout the body and become life threatening.

Dr Slabbert will remove cancers which can't successfully be treated by a dermatologist. The majority of these cases are recurrent, aggressive or those appearing on sensitive areas such as the lips, ears, eyelids and nose. Surgical excision is always required and the extent of which is dependant on the cancer type, the severity and where it is situated on your body.

If you notice the appearance or physical change to any area on your skin you should get it checked out as soon as possible. This is especially true if you notice a lesion that begins to ulcerate or becomes very itchy.  

Look out for these symptoms:

1. Basal cell carcinomas are abnormal growths or lesions which can vary in appearance. Most times first appearing as an open sore, reddish patch, shiny or a shiny pearl-like bump. Sometimes very small blood vessels are noticeable within the tumour. Others appear to have a crusty rim surrounding a crater while some tend to bleed and are dismissed as a sore that won't heal properly.
2. Squamous cell carcinoma is an uncontrolled, abnormal growth which appear as scaly red patches, open sores, warts or raised lesion. At times, they tend to crust or bleed and can be sore or tender to the touch. They can anywhere on the body, but are more likely to be found on areas which are exposed to the sun such as the head, ears, neck and back of the hands.They can cause disfigurement and sometimes deadly if allowed to grow.
3. Malignant melanoma often look like moles and are generally black or brown in colour but can appear with a skin tone. These cancerous growths form when the damaged skin cells mutate and begin rapidly multiplying and then become malignant. If you have existing moles, you should regularly check them to see if there are any changes in size, shape or colour variation. These melanomas are often irregular in shape and border, with different colours and are frequently larger than 6 mm in diameter.

Please be aware – early detection and treatment of a melanoma almost always leads to a cure. If it is left it can progress to other parts of your body which makes it extremely difficult to cure with fatal results!

During your first consultation, Dr Slabbert will carefully evaluate the tumour to establish the type and severity as well as the best treatment method needed. He will also take into account your age, your overall health and how many tumours need to be removed. Most skin cancers will require surgery under general anaesthetic. However, some basal cell carcinomas can be excised under a local anaesthetic.

In every case, Dr Slabbert will remove additional skin tissue from immediately around the tumour which is immediately scrutinised by the pathologist in the theatre to clear the margins (ensure all the affected tissue is removed).

Once the pathologist gives the “all clear” the wound will be closed. Small incisions often only need a few sutures. While the larger skin defects may require surgical reconstruction with a skin graft or a pedicelled flap of tissue. At times, it may be necessary to use a free flap transplant. He will always ensure there is superb blood flow to the flap.

Dr Slabbert will then advise you on how to care for the wound site as well as what precautions are necessary for your complete healing. For instance, he may advise against any doing any gym sessions until the skin has healed.